Locking device for containers

ABSTRACT

A cover for a container is provided with a fastener for engagement with a complementary fastener on a container or an intermediate adapter ring. A locking ring is slidably mounted on the ring or container for axial movement into and out of locking engagement with the cover. One or more combination type rings are rotatably mounted on the adapter ring or container below the locking ring. One or more coaxially extending projections are mounted on each combination type ring for engagement with an annular surface of the locking ring to hold the locking ring in engagement with the cover or for engagement in complementary recesses formed in the annular surface of the locking ring to allow axial movement of the locking ring out of locking engagement with the cover. A spring is provided to bias the combination type rings in opposite directions to frictionally hold the locking ring out of engagement with the cover and to scramble the combination type rings upon return of the locking ring into locking engagement with the cover.

United States Patent Lestaevel Aug. 20, 1974 LOCKING DEVICE FORCONTAINERS Pierre J. Lestaevel, 2727 29th St. NW, Washington, DC. 20008Filed: Jan. 17, 1973 Appl. No.: 324,258

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Serv No. 236,933,March 22, 1972, abandoned.

Inventor:

US. Cl 215/9, 215/98, 70/232 Int. Cl B65d 55/14 Field of Search 215/9,98; 70/232 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1968 St.Pierre 215/9 6/1972 Drew et al. 8/1272 Leopoldi et al 215/9 [5 7ABSTRACT A cover for a container is provided with a fastener forengagement with a complementary fastener on a container or anintermediate adapter ring. A locking ring is slidably mounted on thering or container for axial movement into and out of locking engagementwith the cover. One or more combination type rings are rotatably mountedon the adapter ring or container below the locking ring. One or morecoaxially extending projections are mounted on each combination typering for engagement with an annular surface of the locking ring to holdthe locking ring in engagement with the cover or for engagement incomplementary recesses formed in the annular surface of the locking ringto allow axial movement of the locking ring out of locking engagementwith the cover. A spring is provided to bias the combination type ringsin opposite directions to frictionally hold the locking ring out ofengagement with the cover and to scramble the combination type ringsupon return of the locking ring into locking engagement with the cover.

21 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PAIENTEU wuzmsu SIIEEIBW 4 LOCKING DEVICEFOR CONTAINERS RELATED APPLICATION This application is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 236,933, filed Mar. 22,1972 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention is directed to a locking device for containers and morespecifically to a combination locking arrangement for locking a screwtype or snap type cover on a container.

2. Prior Art It is often desirable to provide some type of lockingarrangement on a container especially if the container is used to holdmedicines, poisons or the like which would be extremely dangerous to anyunauthorized person taking or using the same. Numerous deaths andserious illnesses are caused every year as a result of children havingaccess to bottles having medicines, cleaning liquid, poisons and thelike therein. Even adults sometimes take medicine which has beenprescribed for another person or accidently grab a bottle containing asubstance dangerous to them instead of the bottle they are looking for.

Numerous attempts have been made in the past to provide locking devicesfor containers to prevent the unauthorized access to the contentsthereof. One type of prior art locking device involves the provision ofan over cover for the cover which is threaded onto the bottle with theover cover normally being freely rotatable relative to the regularcover. Upon performing a specific manipulative movement of the overcover, such as pushing, pulling or squeezing the over cover relative tothe regular cover, it is possible to grip the regular cover to apply aturning torque thereto. Such an arrangement is generally effective toprevent .the unauthorized opening of the bottle by a small child but isgenerally ineffective to prevent an unauthorized adult from havingaccess to the contents of the bottle.

Another prior art locking device utilizes a locking member which isfreely mounted on the regular screw type cover and which is normallydisposed in locking engagement with the portion of the container toprevent turning movement of the cover when the container is in theupright position. Upon inverting the container, the locking member willmove to a nonlocking position thereby allowing turning movement of thecover relative to the container. Such an arrangement however, isunsuitable for containers having liquids therein since the unscrewing ofthe cover must take place while the container is in the invertedposition.

Still another prior art locking arrangement involves the use ofcombination type rings in combination with a screw cap. With this typeof device it is necessary to rotate the combination rings to specificrelative positions with respect to each other and the container to allowthe cover to be unscrewed from the container. This type of lockingarrangement not only prevents the unauthorized opening of the containerby children but also prevents unauthorized adults from openingthecontainer. The present invention is broadly directed to this type oflocking arrangement for a container cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to acombination type locking arrangement which is suitable for use with ascrew type or snap type cover for a container to prevent theunauthorized removal of the cover from the container.

The present invention is directed to a combination type lockingarrangement for a cover which is suitable for use with a standardcontainer having a plurality of screw threads about the opening thereofor with any customized-container having specific elements of the lockingarrangement formed integrally therewith.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a containerclosure arrangement having an adapter ring provided with internal screwthreads adapted for cooperation with the screw threads on a standardcontainer. The adapter ring is also provided with external screw threadsand a cover member having internal sscrew threads is threaded thereon toclose the container opening. An annular locking ring is mounted on theadapter ring by a plurality of axially extending splines to preventrotation of the locking ring relative to the adapter ring whilepermitting axial movement of the locking ring relative to the adapterring toward and away from the cover. The locking ring is furtherprovided with a plurality of projections adapted to cooperate with aplurality of complementary projections on the cover to prevent rotationof the cover relativevto the locking ring when the projections areengaged with each other. The annular surface of the locking ring remotefrom the cover is provided with one or more axially extending apertures.One or more combination type rings are mounted for rotation on theadapter ring adjacent the apertured surface of the locking ring. One ormore axially extending projections are formed on the surface of thecombination type ring for engagement in the apertures in the lockingring. When the combination type rings are rotated to a position whereinthe projections thereon are aligned with the apertures in the lockingring, the locking ring may be moved axially of the adapter ring out ofinterfering engagement with the cover to allow the same to be unscrewedfrom the adapter ring. When the projections on the combination typerings are not aligned with the apertures in the locking'ring, thelocking ring will be held in interfering locking engagement with thecover to prevent turning movement thereof relative to the adapter ring.On a customized container the cover may be threaded directly onto thecontainer and the locking ring and combination type rings will bemounted directly on the container.

A variation of the foregoing embodiment contemplates the use of springmeans bebtween two combination type rings to normally bias thecombination rings to a position where the projections thereon are notsimultaneously aligned with apertures in the locking rings. Tab meansare provided on each of the locking rings and upon squeezing the tabstowards each other against the bias of the spring, the projections canbe brought into simultaneous alignment with the apertures in the lockingring. The projections are formed as cam teeth having one sideperpendicular to the locking ring and the opposite side beveled at anangle relative to the surface of the locking rings. The apertures formedin the locking ring are complementary in shape to the cam teeth suchthat upon release of the spring means after engagement of the teeth inthe apertures, the spring means will bias the straight sides of theteeth into frictional engagement with the straight sides of theapertures in the locking ring to frictionally hold the locking ringagainst axial movement relative to the combination type rings. When itis desired to re-engage the locking ring with the closure cover, it isonly necessary to push one of the tabs against the force of the springmeans and the relative movement between one of the cam teeth and therecess will force the locking ring upwardly into engagement with thecover. As soon as the other cam tooth clears its complementary aperture,the spring will expand and shift the other tooth into a position ofmisalignment with its aperture thereby effectively scrambling thecombination.

It is also contemplated that the present invention could be utilizedwith snap-on covers as well as covers having screw threads. In such asituation, the locking ring in either of the above embodiments would beprovided with a circumferential flange. When the locking ring isdisposed in the locking position, the flange will overlap the downwardlyextending flange of the cover to prevent movement thereof radially awayfrom the adapter ring and thereby prevent removal of the snapon coverfrom the adapter ring.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS locking engagement with the cover.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 4 with the locking ringdisposed in the unlocked position relative to the cover.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 1 showing the lockingring moved to the unlocked position relative to the cover.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 6 showing the coverin the detached position relative to the adapter ring.

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevation view in section of a mofified form ofcover locking arrangement.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of still another moditied form ofcover locking arrangement.

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of another modified cover lockingarrangement minus the adapter ring.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of another modified cover lockingarrangement suitable for use with a pill box typecontainer.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified locking device according tothe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a transverse sectional view through a portion of the lockingdevice shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line l5l5 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line 16-16 in FIG. 14showing the entire circumference of the locking device.

FIG. 17A is a sectional view taken along the line 17l7 showing theentire circumference of the locking device. I

FIG. 17B is a partial view similar to FIG. 17A showing a modifiedbiasing means.

FIG. 18A is a sectional view taken along the line l8-l8 in FIG. 14showing the locking ring disposed in locking engagement with the cover.

FIG. 18B is aview similar to 18A showing the locking ring released fromthe cover with the cam teeth disposed in the apertures of the lockingring.

FIG. 18C is a view similar to FIG. 18A showing the locking ring in theprocess of being cammed upwardly into engagement with the cover.

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 14 but including biasing means for thelocking ring which is shown in the unlocked position.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 showing a mofified form of theinvention for use with a snap-on cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning now to the firstembodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7inclusive a container cover locking arrangement is provided for use witha container or bottle having a standard threaded neck opening thereon.The glass bottle 20 is provided with glass screw threds 22 on the neckthereof and an adapter ring 24 of any suitable material such as plasticor the like is threaded thereon. One end of the adapter ring is providedwith a lip 26 which extends over the edge of the glass bottle opening toprovide the smooth continuous surface with the internal surface of theneck of the bottle to aid in dispensing the contents of the bottle,especially if the contents are fluid in nature. Adjacent the same end ofthe adapter ring, screw threads 28 are provided for receiving theinternal screw threads 30 formed on a cover member 32 which may beformed of any suitable material such as plastics or the like. Suitablegasket means 34 may be interposed between the cover 32 and the adapterring 24. The cover 32 may be provided with a plurality of axiallyextending grooves 36 on the external surface thereof to aid in grippingthe cover to apply a turning torque thereto.

An annular locking ring 38 is provided about the adapter ring 24immediately below the cover member 32. The innermost surface of thelocking ring 38 is formed with a plurality of splines 40 which aredisposed in meshing engagement with a plurality of complementary splines42 formed integrally on the external surface of the adapter ring 24. Theradially outermost surface of the locking ring 38 is provided with adepending flange 44 having a plurality of axially extending grooves 46which are aligned with the grooves 36 when the locking ring is disposedin locking engagement with the cover 32. In order to accomplish thislocking, the cover 32 is provided with a plurality of downwardly andradially inwardly directed teeth 48 which are arranged for cooperationwith a plurality of complementary radially outwardly directed teeth 50formed on the locking ring 38.

A shoulder 52 is provided on the adapter ring 24.

which is spaced from the lower end of the splines 42 a sufficientdistance to allow the locking ring 38 to be moved axially away from thecover 32 to separate the teeth 48 and 50 from each other. When thelocking ring 38 is disposed in the position shown in FIG. 1 with thesplines 40, 42 and the teeth 48, 50 disposed in meshing engagement, thecover 32 will be locked against rotating movement relative to theadapter ring 24. When the locking ring 38 is moved donwardly away fromthe cap 32 as shown in FIG. 6, the splines 40 and 42 will still bedisposed in meshing engagement but the teeth 48 and 50 will be free ofengagement from each other thereby allowing the cap 32 to be unscrewedfrom the adapter ring 24. g

In order to selectively control the movement of the locking member 38relative to the cover 32 when the latter is threaded into engagementwith the adapter ring 24, a pair of combination rings 54 and 56 areprovided. The combination ring 54 is journaled on a shoulder 58 formedin the adapter ring 24 and is retained against axial movement relativethereto by means of a lip 60 which overlies the edge of the ring 54. Thering 54 is provided with a radial projection 62 which provides supportfor the other combination ring 56 which is journaled for relative rotarymovement thereon. The combination ring 56 is also provided with aradially extending projection 64 which has the same radial extent as theprojection 62 on the ring 54. The external surfaces of both rings areprovided with serrations and suitable indicia to aid in the rotation ofthe combination ring and the identification of their relative positionswith respect to each other and the locking ring 38. A pair of axiallyprojecting pins 66 and 68 are formed on or secured to the upper surfaceof the combination rings 54 in diametrically opposed relation.Similarly, a pair of pins 70 and 72 are formed on or secured to theupper surface of the combination ring 56 in diametrically opposedpositions. A first pair of diametrically opposed recesses 74 and 76 areformed in the locking ring 38 for the reception of the pins 66 and 68. Asecond pair of recesses 78 and 80 are also formed in the lower surfaceof the locking ring 38 for receiving the pins 70 and 72. The two sets ofrecesses may be angularly offset with respect to each other as long asthe recesses of each pair are diametrically opposed to each other andare disposed on a circle having the same radius as the circle radius ofthe pins which they are adpated to receive. As shown in FIG. 1, all fourrecesses are illustrated as being on a common diameter of the lockingring but it is obvious that this can be varied. For example, in FIG. 3,the recesses 78' and 80 are disposed on a diameter which isperpendicular to the diameter on which the recesses 74' and 76' aredisposed. FIG. 3 illustrates a section along the line 33 in FIG. 1 withthe exception of the relative positions of the pins and recesses. InFIG. 3, the pins 66, 68, and 72 are angularly offset from the recesslocations in the locking ring 38 and thus, the pins will bear againstthe undersurface of the locking ring 38 to hold the same up adjacent thecover 32 with the teeth 48 and 50 disposed in locking engagement witheach other. Thus, with the pins and recesses positioned as shown in FIG.3 it will be impossible to unscrew the cap cover 32 from the adapterring 24. FIG. 4 is a view showing the external appearance of the lockingarrangement when the locking ring 38 is disposed in locking engagementwith the cover 32. The indicia shown on the combination rings 54 and 56will not be in the proper unlocking positions relative to each other andwith an additional marking indicia on the locking ring 38.

Assuming the correct combination for opening the container is number 6for the upper combination ring and number 12 for the lower combinationring, the two rings 54 and 56 will be turned relative to each other andthe locking ring 38 to bring the number 6 and number 12 markings on theupper and lower rings into alignment with the special marking indicia 82on the locking ring 38. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 5. With thelocking ring 38 and the combination rings 54 and 56 disposed in thisposition, the pins on the combination rings will be aligned with therecesses in the locking ring, thereby allowing the locking ring 38 to bemoved axially downward away from the cover 32 as shown in FIGS. 5 and6.Once the locking ring is moved to this position and the teeth 48 and 50are not longer disposed in engagement with each other, it is possible tounscrew the cover 32from the adapter ring 24 as shown in FIG. 7.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is very similar to the embodiment shownin FIG. 1 with the exception of the configuration of theadapter ring 84.The upper portion of the adapter ring 84 is provided with an outwardlyprojecting flange 86 which extends outwardly beyond the splinedconnection 88, 90 between the locking ring 92 and the adapter ring 84.The arrangepouring the liquid from the jar, there is a possiblity thatsome of the liquid might run down the outside of the adapter ring and bymoving the outer edge of the flange 86 radially outwardly from thespline connection 88 and 90, there is less chance of fouling the slidingconnection between the locking ring and the adapter ring.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 is identical with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 with the exception that the lip or flange 60 is removed from theadapter ring 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lip 60 retains thecombination ring 54 against axial movement relative to the adapter ring24. Thus, it was necessary to obtain the proper relative positionsbetween the combination rings 54 and 56 and the locking ring 38 beforethe locking ring 38 could be axially moved. Since the lip 60 is notpresent on the adapter ring 102 in the embodiment of FIG. 9, it ispossible to invert the jar 20 and turn the combination rings 54 and 56until pins thereon drop into the respective recesses in the locking ring38. The bottle or jar 20 could then be turned upright and the lockingring 38 along with the combination rings 54 and 56 would move donwardlyto bring the teeth on the locking ring 38 out of engagement with theteeth on the cap 32. Thus, the combination arrangement shown in FIG. 1could be described as a parallel arrangement inasmuch as bothcombination rings must be turned and held in the proper relativeposition to enable the locking ring to move downwardly, whereas thearrangement shown in FIG. 9 could be described as a serial arrangementinasmuch as the tin g 56 could be turned first until it drops intoposition and then the ring 54 could be turned until it also drops intoposition. Thus, in the latter-type arrangement, it would not benecessary to accurately hold ring 56 in the correct position whilemanipulating the ring 54 since the ring 56 would engage immediately uponbeing correctly positioned.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is also very similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 with the exception that the adapter ring 24 is notnecessary due to the fact that the bottle itself is formed with thenecessary projections and shoulders for engaging the locking ring 38 andthe combination rings 54 and 56. Since the cover 32, the locking ring 38and the combination rings 54 and 56 are identical in this embodimentthey are given the same reference numerals. The bottle 110 may be formedof a plastic material or any other suitable material and has a pluralityof integrally formed threads 112 adjacent the upper end of the neck forreceiving the cover 32. A plurality of longitudinal splines 114 areformed on the neck of the bottle for meshing engagement with the splines40 on the locking ring 38. The bottle 1 10 is provided with a shoulder116 upon which the combination ring 54 is journaled for relativerotation. A lip 118 is provided to retain the combination ring 54against axial movement relative to the neck of the bottle. The operationof this embodiment is identical to the operation of the embodiment shownand described with respect to FIG. 1.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is directed to a shallowcontainer 120 such as a pill box or the like. It is obvious that theshape of the container may take any form and that the form of thecontainer is not critical to the present invention. In this embodiment,the cover 122 is provided with a radially outer the projections are notlimited to the pins and projections shown in the present application buttake any desirable form.

In assembling the cover and adapter ring 24 on a bottle, it iscontemplated that a much higher turning torque would be applied to theadapter ring then to the cover and an adhesive may be applied on thethreadsbetween the adapter ring and the bottle. In this way, thesecurement of the adapter ring to the bottle will be much more permanentin nature than the securement of the cover 32 to the adapter ring. Thecover 32 is threaded onto the adapter ring 24 by applying a torquecomparable to one normally applied by an adult person and sufficient toensure a proper seal. The application of the higher torque to theadapter ring, plus the use of adhesives prevents the removal of thelocking device from the bottle in the event an attempt is made tounscrew the cover without unlocking the device first and allows theunscrewing of the cover 32 from the adapter ring when the parts are inthe unlocked position without also having the adapter ring begin toturn.

Preferably, the whole locking device including the adapter ring, cover,locking ring and combination rings downwardly depending flange 124having a plurality of locking teeth 126 integrally formed therewith. Thecover 122 is also provided with a radially inward downwardly extendingflange 128 having screw threads thereon which mate with complementaryscrew threads formed on the container 120. The external surfacezof thecontainer is provided with a plurarality of axially extending splines130 which cooperate with splines 132 formed on the inner surface of thelocking ring 134. The locking ring 134 is provided with a plurality ofteeth 136 which are adapted to mate with the teeth 126 on the cover toprevent relative rotation therebetween.

Three combination rings 140, 142 and 144 are journaled for rotation uponeach other and upon a shoulder 146 integral with the container 120. Eachof the combination rings is provided with a plurality of upwardlyextending projections which are adapted to mate with complementaryrecesses formed in the lower surface of the locking ring 134. Theprojections 148 are best shown in FIG. 12 and are in the form of arcuateprojections. Upon engagement of the projections 148 in the complementaryrecesses (not shown) in the undersurface of the locking ring 134, thelocking ring 134 can be lowered to allow relative rotation of the cover122 relative to the container 120 for removal of the cover. Althoughlocking arrangements utilizing two combination rings and threecombination rings have been illustrated in the present application, itis possible that a locking arrangement utilizing the same principlescould be provided with only a single combination or a plurality ofcombination rings in excess of three. Likewise,

would be placed on the bottle with the component parts in the lockposition as shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the entire assembly is eadilyadapted to known bottling methods. The only change necessary forswitching from unsafe to safe closing means would involve the adaptationof the cap applying apparatus to handle a slightly larger size cap andthe adjustment of the torque applying means for the cap. If the use ofadhesives was also desired it would be necessaryto provide some meansfor applying cement to the bottle threads or to the complementarythreads on the adapter ring.

The adapter ring 24 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is provided withserrations 25 which would assist in applying torque to the ring 24 bymeans of a mechanical turning device. The axial length of the serrations25 is insufficient to allow a person to get a good grip on the adapterwhen the combination rings are in place thus adding to the safety of theclosing arrangement. These serrations 25 would also assist in holdingthe adapter ring 24 during the assembly of the combination rings,

locking ring and cover thereon. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the exposedpart of the adapter ring 84 is smooth and beveled to prevent grippingthereof. It is also contemplated that the neck of the bottle and theinternal portion of the adapter could have a configuration other thanscrew threads.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-20 are very similar to the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1-8 inclusive with the primary differences residing inthe mode of operation of the combination rings, the shape and alignmentof the teeth between the cover and the locking ring and theconfiguration of the projections and recesses on the combination ringsand the locking ring. As best shown in FIG. 13, the combination rings200 and 202 are provided with outwardly extending tabs 204 and 206respectively to facilitate the manual turning of the combination rings.Numerical or other identifying indicia are provided on the locking ring208.

As in the previous embodiment, an adapter 210 is provided for engagementwith the neck of the bottle and such an adapter may be provided withthreads, projections or the like which are complementary with thestandard threads or projections on the neck of the bottle 212. As isshown in FIG. 14, the adapter is provided with a circumferentialprojection 214 similar to that provided in FIG. 8 but the adapter couldalso have a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1. As in theprevious embodiment, a cover 216 is disposed in threaded engagement withthe adapter. However, in the present embodiment, the cover 216 isprovided with downwardly projecting saw tooth type projections 218 whichare adapted to interfit with complementary saw tooth projections 220formed on the locking ring 208. By disposing the saw tooth projectionsso that they extend axially relative to the bottle, the re-engagement ofthe projections 220 on the locking ring 208 with the projections 218 onthe cover 216 is greatly facilitated As is the previous embodiments, thelocking ring 208 is connected for axial movement relative to the adapter210 by means of splines 222 which mesh with a considerable amount ofplay with the splines 224 on the adapter 210. The plan between thesplines 22 on looking ring 298 and splines 224 on adapter ring 210 isshown as radial clearances C in FIG. between the noted arrows. Theprovision of the clearances C allows meshing of the teeth 218 and 220regardless of the circumferential position of the locking ring 298relative to the cover 216.

As best shown in FIG. 16, the combination ring 200 has a pair of axiallyprojecting lugs 226 and 228 formed on or secured to the upper surfacethereof. These lugs are offset from being diametrically opposed by asmall angle 'y Similarly, a pair of axially projecting lugs 230 and 232are formed on or secured to the upper surface of combination ring 202.Lugs 230 and 232 are offset from being diametrically opposed by a smallangle 'y comparable to but not necessarily equal to 7,.

The locking ring 208 is provided with two-pairs of recesses. One pair ofrecesses 234, 236 are disposed at a radial position corresponding to theradial position of lugs 226 and 228. In addition, recesses 234 and 236are offset frombeing diametrically opposed by the same small angle 'ypreventing lugs 226 and 228 from being diametrically opposed. Similarly,the other pair of recesses 238 and 240 are disposed at a radial positioncorresponding to the radial of lugs 230 and 232 and these recesses 238and 240 are offset from being diametrically opposed by the same smallangle 'y preventing lugs 230 and 232 from being diametrically opposed.Also shown in FIG. 16, angle 7 defines the angular relationship betweenone pair of recesses relative to the other pair of recesses. In thespecific example illustrated, angle 7 equals 90 but could possiblyassume any other value.

Upon further examination of FIG. 16 and in consideration of thegeometrical relationships defined above, it now becomes apparent that amanipulation of combination ring 200 will bring lugs 226 and 228 intoaxial alignment with corresponding recesses 234 and 236 while a similarand simultaneous manipulation of combination ring 202 will bring lugs230 and 232 into axial alignment with corresponding recesses 238 and240. Since the lugs and recesses of each pair are offset by a smallangle y or 'y it also becomes apparent that there exists only onearrangement of combination rings relative to the locking ring that willallow the simultaneous axial alignment of all the lugs with theircorresponding recesses.

As seen in FIG. 17A, a biasing means which may be in the form of a coilspring 242 is located in an annular groove 244 formed jointly incombination rings 200 and 202. Each of the combination rings 200 and 202has a stop projection 246 and 248, respectively, extending into theannular groove 244 to form an abutment against which the ends of thebiasing means of spring 242 will bear. The length of the coil spring orbiasing means 242 and the location of the stop projections 246 and 248relative to the lugs on-their respective combination rings are such thatadjacent lugs such as 226 and 232 of combination rings 200 or 202,respectively, are normally separated by an angle [3, when the coilspring biasing means is in the relaxed state. In other words thearrangement is such that angle B is normally greater than a with theresult that, while one pair of lugs might be brought accidentally inaxial, alignment with its corresponding pair of recesses the other pairof lugs is prevented from assuming similar alignment with its own pairof recesses due to the pressure of the spring.

Referring again to FIG. l6, slots 250 and 252 opening into the annulargroove 244 are provided in each of the combination rings 200 and 202,respectively, for the insertion of the biasing spring 242. Duringinitial assembly, the combination rings 200 and 202 are positioned so asto align theslots 250 and 252 with each otherrThe length of slots 250,252 is such that spring 242 held in a compressed state can be insertedthrough the passage thus formed and into annular groove 244 where itrecovers its extended shape. An alternative embodiment illustrated inFIG. 17B shows the biasing means in the form of a piece of resilientmaterial 242 such as a block of resilient rubber, plastic or the like.

As seen in FIG. 18A, the axially projecting lugs 226 and 232 orcombination rings 200 and 202, respectively, are formed with a slopingsurface, as are the corresponding recesses 234 and 238 formed in thelocking ring 208. The sloping surfaces on the lugs 226 and 232 (and 228,240 not shown in this Figure) and the corresponding recesses 234 and 238(and 236, 240 not shown in this Figure) provide a camming action forautomatically relocking the locking ring 298 to the cover 216 after thecover has been replaced on the bottle top.

Referring first to FIG. 18A, the upstanding lugs 226, 228, 230 and 232are in contact with the bottom of the locking ring 208 to maintain thesaw tooth projections 218 and 220 inengagement with each other. Theoutwardly extending tabs 204 and 206 are grasped and pressed toward eachother in such manner that spring 242 becomes progressively compressed.Such manipulation can be facilitated by having one of the sides or facesof tabs 204 and 206 darkened as shown in FIG. 13 so as to easilyidentify which sides or faces have to be brought closer to each other.As tabs 204 and 206 are pressed toward each other, it can be seen inFIG. 18A that the distance between lugs 226 and 232 decreases or,referring to FIG. 16, the angle a beomes smaller and closer in value toangle a.

As shown in FIG. 18B, when the index marks on the combination rings 200and 202 have been aligned with the proper indicia on the locking ring298, each of the axially projecting lugs on combination rings 200 and202 will align with its respective recess formed in the locking ring 208to allow the locking ring 208 to drop down and disengage the saw teeth220 formed thereon from the saw teeth projections 218 on the cover 216,

thereby allowing the cover 216 to be removed from the bottle 212.

In addition to the sloping surfaces which provide a camming action, thelugs and recesses are alsp provided with vertical mating surfaces. Asshown in FIG. 18B when, subsequent to the unlocking of locking ring 208,manual pressure on tabs 204 and 206 is released, spring 242 tends toseparate stop projection 246 from stop projection 248 and, in turn lug226 from lug 232. The obvious result is'that the locking ring 208 andthe combination rings 200 and 202 are now locked to one another in theirposition of engagement by the pressure now exerted on opposite verticalsurfaces in the recesses by the mating corresponding vertical surfacesof the lugs that engage them. It is also obvious that, with the partsassuming such a locked relationship, it is possible to invert thecontainer without disturbing the arrangement which will subsequentlypermit the replacement of cover 216 on bottle 212 without interferencefrom the locking ring.

After the cover 216 has been replaced on the adapter 210, the operatorcan further compress the coil spring preferably by moving one of the twooutwardly extending tabs toward the other. Referring to FIGS. 13 and18C, the operator may for instance decide to move tab 204 toward tab 206which results in the movement of combination ring 200 in the directionof arrow F,. In turn, this causes the sloping surface on lug 226 (and onlug 228 not shown) to slide along the corresponding sloping surface ofrecess 234 (and sloping surface of recess 236 not shown) in such mannerthat locking ring 208 is cammed upwardly in the direction of a arrow F 2to engage the saw teeth projections 218 and 220. As such action takesplace, it should be noted that lug 232 (and lug 230 not shown) issimultaneously removed from its correspondiing recess 238 (while lug 230is removed from its rcess 240 not shown) while their respective verticalmating surfaces remain in contact. When the locking ring 208 has beenraised a sufficient amount to cause the end of the lug 226 to becomedisengaged from the recess 234 and contact the bottom surface of thelocking ring 208, the tip of lug 232 will also be brough level with thebottom surface of locking ring 208. Simultaneously spring 242, notrestrained any longer, forces combination ring 202 to move in thedirection of arrow F,. As there is abruptly no more resisting action tothe manual pressure exerted on tabe 204, combination ring 200 also tendsto move further in the direction of arrow F Thus, manual pressureapplied, as described, to tab 204 results in the locking of locking ring208 with cover 216, the scrambling ofcombination ring 202 and thescrambling of combination ring 200.

. FIG. 19 illustrates the position assumed by the different parts of thedevice after the locking ring 208 has been released for engagement withcover 216 and as similarly shown in FIG. 188. It further discloses theuse of additional biasing means 254, preferably in the form of pieces ofresilient material such as sponge robber, or the like, retained inrecesses such as 256 formed in the circumferential projection 214 tobias the locking ring 208 in the unlocking direction when the propercombination has been registered by the combination rings 200 and 202to-allow easy removal of the cover 216.

A further embodiment of the subject invention for use with snap-on capsor covers is illustrated in FIG. 20. The cover 216 is of the snap-ontype employing a radially inwardly extending circumferential lip 260which snaps overand engages with a corresponding radially outwardlyextending circumferential lip 262 formed on the circumferentialprojection 214' of the adapter 210. The locking ring 208 has an axiallyprojecting flange 264 formed around the outer circumference thereofwhich closely contacts the outer surface of the side of the cover 216when in the locked position to prevent the cap from being removed fromthe container.

In all of the embodiments it is possible to locate the lugs on thelocking ring and the recesses on the combination ring. It is alsopossible to incorporate specific features of one embodiment in the otherembodiments. For example, the biasing means in FIG. 14 and FIG. 19 couldbe used with all of the embodiments disclosed. The use of otherfastening means for the cover such as a bayonet fastener or the like isalso possible.

In all of the embodiments of the present invention, the generaloperation of the locking device is very similar. In order to remove thecover to obtain access to the contents of a container, it is necessaryto move the combination rings to the correct position relative to eachother and the locking ring. The projections on the combination ringswould then be properly aligned with the recesses in the locking ring toallow the axial movement of the locking ring away from the cover towardthe combination rings. Such a movement will unlock the cover to allowthe same to bemanipulated for the removal of the cover.

The locking device according to the present invention also allows thecontainer to be readily closed and relocked with a minimum amount oftime and effort thereby encouraging the users of the bottle to takeadvangage of the locking ability of the cover. If the relockingprocedure is too time consuming or intricate, people might be tempted tomerely replace the screw cover without looking the same to thecontainer. According to the present invention it is only necessary tomove the locking ring upwardly toward the cover to bring the teeth onthe locking ring into engagement with the teeth on the cover and torotate the combination rings. ln the embodiments of FIGS. 13-20, theupward movement of the locking ring also releases a spring toautomatically scramble the combination. By using a large number of teethon the locking ring and cover it is only necessary to rotate the cap orlocking ring a small angular distance relative to each other to obtainthe meshing of the teeth. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, 36 teethare provided around the circumference of the locking ring and on thecover. Thus, it will only be necessary to rotate the cover amaximum of 5in order to obtain meshing of the teeth. The teeth may be beveled as inthe embodiments of FIGS. 13-20 to assist their meshing engagement bymovement in the axial direction relative to each other and the necessaryplay may be provided between the splines on the adapter and the lockingring. Once the teeth on the locking ring are in meshing engagement withthe teeth on the cover, the projections on the combination rings will beout of engagement with the recesses on the locking rings. It is onlynecesary then to rotate the combination rings in a random manner toscramble the combination and prevent unauthorized opening of the cover.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreferenced to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A container having cover means, complementary fastening means on saidcover means and said container for securing said cover means to saidcontainer, locking ring means disposed on said container adjacent saidcover means, spline means operatively connecting said locking ring meansto said container for movement toward and away from said cover means,complementary locking means formed on said locking ring means and saidcover means to prevent disengagement of said fastening means,combination ring means rotatably mounted on said container adjacent saidlocking ring means, complementary projection means and recess meansdisposed on the opposed surfaces of said combination ring means and saidlocking ring means whereby said projection means will hold said lockingring means in locking engagement with said cover means when saidprojection means are not disposed in alignment with said recess meansand will allow movement of said locking ring means out of lockingengagement with said cover means when said projection means are alignedwith said recess means.

2. A container as set forth in claim 1 futher comprising adapter ringmeans having internal fastening means engaged with the fastening meanson said container and external fastening means engaged with thefastening means on said cover means, said spline means being located onsaid locking ring means and said adapter ring means and said combinationring means being directly mounted for rotation on said adapter ringmeans.

3. A container as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means forholding said combination ring means against movement toward and awayfrom said cover means while permitting rotation of said combination ringmeans relative to said locking ring means.

4. A container as set forth in claim Iwherein said combination ringmeans is comprised of two annular rings, each of said rings having apair of diametrically opposed lugs thereon extending toward said lockingring means, said locking ring means having two pair of recessed formedtherein with each pair being located on a diameter of said locking ringmeans with said diameters being angularly offset from each other.

5. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said combination ringmeans includes at least two annular rings and biasing means for biasingsaid annular rings in opposite circumferential directions.

6. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said combination ringmeans is comprised of two annular rings, said projection means includesat least one lug on each of said annular rings extending toward saidlocking ring means, said recess means includes at least two recesses insaid locking means for receiving said lugs, said recesses beingangularly offset from each other by a predetermined angle, and biasingmeans operatively disposed between said annular rings for normallymaintaining said lugs on said annular rings separated by an anglegreater than the angle between said recesses in said locking ring means.

7. A container as set forth in claim 6 further comprising an outwardlydirected tab connected to each of said annular rings, complementarygroove means formed in said annular rings, said biasing means comprisingan elongated resilient member disposed in said groove means, a stopmember formed on each ring and extending into said groove means atopposite ends of said resilient member whereby upon moving said tabstoward each other and rotating said tabs simultaneously in the samecircumferential direction, said lugs will be brought toward each otheragainst the bias of the resilient member and will be brought intoalignment with said recesses.

8. A container as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of said lugs isprovided with a straight axially extending surface perpendicular to saidrings and a sloping surface disposed at an acute angle relative to saidstraight surface with the sloping surface of the lugs on one ring facingin the opposite circumferential direction from the sloping surfaces ofthe lugs on the other ring and complementary sloping surfaces beingprovided in said recesses whereby the complementary sloping surfaces ofsaid projection means and said recess means will provide a cammingaction to shift said locking ring means into locking engagement with thecover upon relative circumferential movement between at least one ofsaid rings and said locking ring means.

9. A container as set forth in claim 1 further comprising resilientbiasing means disposed between said container and said locking ringmeans to bias said locking ring means toward said combination ringmeans.

10. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening means iscomprised of screw thread means and said locking means is comprised ofinterengaging teeth to prevent relative rotation of said cover and saidcontainer.

11. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening means iscomprised of a circumferential ridge on said container and acircumferential ridge on said cover adapted to snap over the ridge onsaid container and said locking means is comprised of a circumferentialupstanding flange on said locking ring means arranged to fit closelyabout said ridge on said cover to prevent flexure of said cover todisengage said ridges.

12. A closure device for a container comprising adapter ring meanshaving an internal configuration compatible with the externalconfiguration of a container to allow the adapter ring means to besecured thereon, cover means, fastening means for securing said covermeans to said adapter ring means, locking ring means disposed on saidadapter ring means adjacent said cover means, spline means operativelyconnecting said locking ring means to said adapter ring means formovement toward and away from said cover means, complementary lockingmeans formed on said locking ring means and said cover means to preventdisengagement of said fastening means, combination ring means rotatablymounted on said adapter ring means adjacent said locking ring means,complementary projection means and recess means disposed on the opposedsurfaces of said combination ring means and said locking ring meanswhereby said projection means will hold said locking ring means inlocking engagement with said cover means when said projection means arenot disposed in alignment with said recess means and will allow movementof said locking ring means out of engagement with said cover means whensaid projection means are aligned with said recess means.

13. A closure as set forth in claim 12 further comprising means forholding said combination ring means against movement toward and awayfrom said cover means while permitting rotation of said combination ringmeans relative to said locking ring means.

14. A closure as set forth in claim 12 wherein said combination ringmeans is comprised of two annular rings, each of said rings having apair of diametrically opposed lugs thereon extending toward said lockingring means, said locking ring means having two pair of recesses formedtherein with each pair being located on a diameter of said locking ringmeans with said diameters being angularly offset from each other.

15. A closure as set forth in claim 12 wherein said combination ringmeans includes at least two annular rings and biasing means for biasingsaid annular rings in opposite circumferential directions.

16. A closure as set forth in claim 12 wherein said combination ringmeans is comprised of two annular rings, said projection means includesat least one lug on each of said annular rings extending toward saidlocking ring means, said recess means includes at least two recesses insaid locking ring means for receiving said lugs, said recesses beingangul arly offset from each other by a predetermined angle, said biasingmeans operatively disposed between said annular rings for normallymaintaining said lugs on said annular rings separated by an anglegreater than the angle between said recesses in said locking ring means.

17. A closure as set forth in claim 16 further comprising an outwardyextending tab connected to each of said annular rings, complementarygroove means formed in said annular ring, said biasing means comprisingan elongated resilient member disposed in said groove means, a stopmember formed on each ring and extending into said groove means atopposite ends of said resilient member whereby upon moving said tabstoward each other and rotating both tabs simultaneously in the samecircumferential direction, said lugs will be brought toward each otheragainst the bias of the resilient member and will be brought intoalignment with said recesses.

18. A closure device as set forth in claim 16 wherein each of said lugsis provided with a straight axially extending surface perpendicular tosaid rings and a sloping surface disposed at an acute angle relative tosaid straight surface with the sloping surfaces of the lugs on one ringfacing in the opposite circumferential direction from the slopingsurfaces of the lugs on the other ring and complementary slopingsurfaces being provided in said recesses whereby the complementarysloping surfaces on the projection means and the recess means willprovide a cammin g action to shift saidlocking ring means into lockingengagement upon relative circumferential movement between at least oneof said rings and said locking ring means.-

19. A closure device as set forth in claim 12 further comprisingresilient biasing means disposed between said adapter ring means andsaid locking ring means to bias said locking ring means toward saidcombination ring means. i Q

20. A container as set forth in claim 12 wherein said fastening means iscomprised of screw thread means and said locking means is comprised ofinterengaging teeth to prevent relative rotation of said cover and saidcontainer.

21. A container as set forth in claim 12 wherein said.

fastening means is comprised of a circumferential ridge on saidcontainer and a circumferential ridge on said cover adapted to snap overthe ridge on said container and said locking means is comprised of acircumferential upstanding flange on said locking ring means arranged tofit closely about said ridge on said cover to prevent flexure of saidcover to disengage said ridges.

1. A container having cover means, complementary fastening means on saidcover means and said container for securing said cover means to saidcontainer, locking ring means disposed on said container adjacent saidcover means, spline means operatively connecting said locking ring meansto said container for movement toward and away from said cover means,complementary locking means formed on said locking ring means and saidcover means to prevent disengagement of said fastening means,combination ring means rotatably mounted on said container adjacent saidlocking ring means, complementary projection means and recess meansdisposed on the opposed surfaces of said combination ring means and saidlocking ring means whereby said projection means will hold said lockingring means in locking engagement with said cover means when saidprojection means are not disposed in alignment with said recess meansand will allow movement of said locking ring means out of lockingengagement with said cover means when said projection means are alignedwith said recess means.
 2. A container as set forth in claim 1 futhercomprising adapter ring means having internal fastening means engagedwith the fastening means on said container and external fastening meansengaged with the fastening means on said cover means, said spline meansbeing located on said locking ring means and said adapter ring means andsaid combination ring means being directly mounted for rotation on saidadapter ring means.
 3. A container as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising means for holding said combination ring means againstmovement toward and away from said cover means while permitting rotationof said combination ring means relative to said locking ring means.
 4. Acontainer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said combination ring means iscomprised of two annular rings, each of said rings having a pair ofdiametrically opposed lugs thereon extending toward said locking ringmeans, said locking ring means having two pair of recessed formedtherein with each pair being located on a diameter of said locking ringmeans with said diameters being angularly offset from each other.
 5. Acontainer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said combination ring meansincludes at least two annular rings and biasing means for biasing saidannular rings in opposite circumferential directions.
 6. A container asset forth in claim 1 wherein said combination ring means is comprised oftwo annular rings, said projection means includes at least one lug oneach of said annular rings extending toward said locking ring means,said recess means includes at least two recesses in said locking meansfor receiving said lugs, said recesses being angularly offset from eachother by a predetermined angle, and biasing means operatively disposedbetween said annular rings for normally maintaining said lugs on saidannular rings separated by an angle greater than the angle between saidrecesses in said locking ring means.
 7. A container as set forth inclaim 6 further comprising an outwardly directed tab connected to eachof said annular rings, complementary groove means formed in said annularrings, said biasing means comprising an elongated resilient memberdisposed in said groove means, a stop member formed on each ring andextending into said groove means at opposite ends of said resilientmember whereby upon moving said tabs toward each other and rotating saidtabs simultaneously in the same circumferential direction, said lugswill be brought toward each other against the bias of the resilientmember and will be brought into alignment with said recesses.
 8. Acontainer as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of said lugs is providedwith a straight axially extending surface perpendicular to said ringsand a sloping surface disposed at an acute angle relative to saidstraight surface with the sloping surface of the lugs on one ring facingin the opposite circumferential direction from the sloping surfaces ofthe lugs on the other ring and complementary sloping surfaces beingprovided in said recesses whereby the complementary sloping surfaces ofsaid projection means and said recess means will provide a cammingaction to shift said locking ring means into locking engagement with thecover upon relative circumferential movement between at least one ofsaid rings and said locking ring means.
 9. A container as set forth inclaim 1 further comprising resilient biasing means disposed between saidcontainer and said locking ring means to bias said locking ring meanstoward said combination ring means.
 10. A container as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said fastening means is comprised of screw thread meansand said locking means is comprised of interengaging teeth to preventrelative rotation of said cover and said container.
 11. A container asset forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening means is comprised of acircumferential ridge on said container and a circumferential ridge onsaid cover adapted to snap over the ridge on said container and saidlocking means is comprised of A circumferential upstanding flange onsaid locking ring means arranged to fit closely about said ridge on saidcover to prevent flexure of said cover to disengage said ridges.
 12. Aclosure device for a container comprising adapter ring means having aninternal configuration compatible with the external configuration of acontainer to allow the adapter ring means to be secured thereon, covermeans, fastening means for securing said cover means to said adapterring means, locking ring means disposed on said adapter ring meansadjacent said cover means, spline means operatively connecting saidlocking ring means to said adapter ring means for movement toward andaway from said cover means, complementary locking means formed on saidlocking ring means and said cover means to prevent disengagement of saidfastening means, combination ring means rotatably mounted on saidadapter ring means adjacent said locking ring means, complementaryprojection means and recess means disposed on the opposed surfaces ofsaid combination ring means and said locking ring means whereby saidprojection means will hold said locking ring means in locking engagementwith said cover means when said projection means are not disposed inalignment with said recess means and will allow movement of said lockingring means out of engagement with said cover means when said projectionmeans are aligned with said recess means.
 13. A closure as set forth inclaim 12 further comprising means for holding said combination ringmeans against movement toward and away from said cover means whilepermitting rotation of said combination ring means relative to saidlocking ring means.
 14. A closure as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidcombination ring means is comprised of two annular rings, each of saidrings having a pair of diametrically opposed lugs thereon extendingtoward said locking ring means, said locking ring means having two pairof recesses formed therein with each pair being located on a diameter ofsaid locking ring means with said diameters being angularly offset fromeach other.
 15. A closure as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidcombination ring means includes at least two annular rings and biasingmeans for biasing said annular rings in opposite circumferentialdirections.
 16. A closure as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidcombination ring means is comprised of two annular rings, saidprojection means includes at least one lug on each of said annular ringsextending toward said locking ring means, said recess means includes atleast two recesses in said locking ring means for receiving said lugs,said recesses being angularly offset from each other by a predeterminedangle, said biasing means operatively disposed between said annularrings for normally maintaining said lugs on said annular rings separatedby an angle greater than the angle between said recesses in said lockingring means.
 17. A closure as set forth in claim 16 further comprising anoutwardy extending tab connected to each of said annular rings,complementary groove means formed in said annular ring, said biasingmeans comprising an elongated resilient member disposed in said groovemeans, a stop member formed on each ring and extending into said groovemeans at opposite ends of said resilient member whereby upon moving saidtabs toward each other and rotating both tabs simultaneously in the samecircumferential direction, said lugs will be brought toward each otheragainst the bias of the resilient member and will be brought intoalignment with said recesses.
 18. A closure device as set forth in claim16 wherein each of said lugs is provided with a straight axiallyextending surface perpendicular to said rings and a sloping surfacedisposed at an acute angle relative to said straight surface with thesloping surfaces of the lugs on one ring facing in the oppositecircumferential direction from the sloping surfaces of the lugs on theother ring and complementary sloping surfaces being provided in saidrecesses whereby tHe complementary sloping surfaces on the projectionmeans and the recess means will provide a camming action to shift saidlocking ring means into locking engagement upon relative circumferentialmovement between at least one of said rings and said locking ring means.19. A closure device as set forth in claim 12 further comprisingresilient biasing means disposed between said adapter ring means andsaid locking ring means to bias said locking ring means toward saidcombination ring means.
 20. A container as set forth in claim 12 whereinsaid fastening means is comprised of screw thread means and said lockingmeans is comprised of interengaging teeth to prevent relative rotationof said cover and said container.
 21. A container as set forth in claim12 wherein said fastening means is comprised of a circumferential ridgeon said container and a circumferential ridge on said cover adapted tosnap over the ridge on said container and said locking means iscomprised of a circumferential upstanding flange on said locking ringmeans arranged to fit closely about said ridge on said cover to preventflexure of said cover to disengage said ridges.